A.C.E. Study Abroad in Spain

Salamanca, Spain 2010 Director:

Dr. Alberto Ferreiro, was born in Mexico City and is a native speaker of Spanish. He was honored in 1983-84 with a Fulbright Fellowship to work on his doctoral dissertation in Barcelona-Madrid, Spain. He earned his B.A. and M.A. at the University of Texas-Arlington and a Ph.D. in medieval history at the University of California-Santa Barbara. He has published 7 books, over 65 scholarly articles mainly on medieval ecclesiastical Iberian history and is a frequent participant in international conferences. For 20 years he has been taking students to the University of Salamanca and has organized and led several two week Carmelite Spirituality Pilgrimages in Spain for adult learners. He is a tenured professor of European History at Seattle Pacific University where he has taught since 1986. He is also a summer Visiting Professor/Lecturer at the University of Salamanca and Founder-Director of the Centro Fray Luis de León.

Fees and Dates:
June 30- August 2-(4 weeks $ 4,700- 11 quarter credits)
July 31- August 30 (4 weeks $4,700.00- 11 quarter credits)
June 30- August 16 (6 weeks $ 6,200.00- 15 quarter credits)
June 30- August 30 (8 weeks $7,400.00,-19 quarter credits)

Full Academic Year Study is also available, contact us for details.

NOT INCLUDED IN BASE PRICE: 1. Airfare is not included, but you may book your flight with TMI travel, contact Sandy at sandyd@travelmeet.com Participants need not fly out of Seattle.
2. Madrid at the end of the program for 2 and a half days. Total cost is about $300.00.
3. OPTIONAL- half day FLAMENCO WORSHOP at Casa Patas in Madrid, about 65-70 euros

Estie S. (2009)
Western Washington University

"Studying in Spain was a life changing experience; initially I was supposed to be there for four weeks, which just wasn't enough time. Six weeks was perfect, by the fifth week I was immersing myself with the locals, and speaking Spanish almost 24 hours of the day. Studying and walking around a city like Salamanca that has been around for centuries was amazing, looking outside your dorm window at the lit cathedral or going to La Plaza Mayor to watch the lights go on or listening to music in the square or just to hang out with some friends. I couldn't have asked for a better way to spend my summer and to continue my studies in Spanish from speaking to writing to learning about a different culture. I would definitely recommend this program especially if you cannot afford to study for a year, quarter or semester during the academic year."

Yuliya Skachkov (2009)
Seattle Pacific University

"If you're looking for a great way to earn Spanish credits and experience the culture, this is THE WAY to go! As a nursing student at SPU, I quickly realized how hard it would be for me to receive a minor with the amount of classes I had to take every quarter. This trip provided me with the PERFECT opportunity to not only receive the necessary credits, but to receive them while experiencing the culture first-hand in Spain!

The housing and food is taken care of, we only had to pay for our food on excursions. The classes and professors are great they are some of the most enthusiastic and animated professors I've had. The history class with Dr. Ferreiro is outside at a lovely cafe and we also participate in a fun cooking class and learn how to cook some of the most popular dishes in Spain. All of the excursions are very interesting and students get to experience different parts of Spain, which have their own distinct style and culture. A weekend trip to Portugal offers the opportunity to explore Lisbon and swim in the Atlantic Ocean (one of my favorite highlights of our trip to Portugal!)

The city is small enough to explore the area on foot, no car is necessary to get to the stores/restaurants/swimming pool/cinema/malls/etc. There are many, many museums and churches to visit within close distance to the residence. There are also many great and safe places to hang out at night with friends, and listen to various kinds of music and learn to Salsa dance!

Dr. Ferreiro has been taking students to Spain for 20 years so he really knows what he is doing& the classes and excursions are well planned and there is much free-time to explore and enjoy the Spanish culture! I would DEFINITELY recommend this program to anyone interesting in learning more about the Spanish language/history/culture!!!!!"

Deborah M.(2009)
Bristol University UK

"On arriving in Salamanca, I was immediately embraced by Spain's warm and welcoming attitude. Being a small city, it was easy to settle in and everything lies within walking distance. It was great having the opportunity to attend classes with people from all over the world and I cannot speak highly enough of the teachers who were so keen to help their students get as much as possible out of their lessons. The lessons were challenging, but at the same time were conducted with a relaxed approach. Never before had I had attended a class which involved chatting in a cafe alongside a free drink! By the end of the trip my Spanish had greatly improved and I was so immersed in the language that on leaving Heathrow airport, I answered a man offering me a taxi, in Spanish, and it was a while before I realized why he had such a startled expression on his face.

The classes weren't all about language, however. From valuable literature classes to cooking lessons, I learnt a lot about Spanish culture. This cultural learning was also enhanced through wonderful city excursions or just by exploring Salamanca itself.

Being a small city by no means signifies that Salamanca lacks things to do. From seeing Harry Potter in Spanish to watching live Reggae in O'Haras, I can honestly say I was never bored. I have so many great memories from this trip and have made lasting friendships that will live with me forever."

Katie R. (2009)
Seattle Pacific University

"I have nothing but wonderful things to say about Dr. Alberto Ferreiro's program at the University of Salamanca. It was like a dream to study the Spanish culture and language, while living in Salamanca, Spain. Having the opportunity to study Spanish and to even become bilingual will be a great advantage in the medical field, especially nursing. Knowing Spanish will give you the upper hand on applications, interviews and special job opportunities in the nursing field. For less money and more credits that one quarter at any university, you could study abroad in Spain."

Emily H. (2009)
Seattle Pacific University

"I loved this program so much. I would highly recommend it for anyone who wants to improve their level of Spanish or just wants an excuse to see more of the world. Salamanca is a small, charming, and beautiful city. The professors at the university are incredible - they're funny, kind, and teach you a lot of Spanish. Attending classes in the morning left tons of free time to wander the city and shop, go to movies, eat ice cream, sit at a cafe, or visit some of the churches or museums throughout Salamanca. The weather was phenomenal throughout the entire month. I had a wonderful experience and am very glad I went."

Amy C. (2009)
Seattle Pacific University

"Although I have been studying Spanish for a number of years, my opportunities to learn the language through study abroad programs were limited by my course load during the academic year. Dr. Ferreiro's summer program provided a perfect way for me to fulfill the study abroad requirement for my major. I thoroughly enjoyed my classes at the University of Salamanca. The program is structured to give you a taste of everything. A grammar class at an appropriate level for you, a cooking class where you learn about some of the most popular Spanish dishes, an interesting history course taught in a cafe and also on-location as you tour major sights in nearby cities, a Spanish class of your choice (culture class, for example), a casual conversation class that also meets in a cafe and a fun Flamenco class which gives you an appreciation for this expressive beautiful dance.

This trip combines the academic study with touring important sights and enjoying the Spanish culture firsthand. Some of the more memorable experiences I had involved interactions with local Salamantinos. I feel as if my confidence with using Spanish improved thanks to my time in Salamanca. It was so much fun getting to know the other students from our trip and also the students from around the world that were also studying Spanish and the university. Playing soccer with students from over ten different countries is one of my fondest memories! I would highly encourage you to seriously consider traveling to Salamanca with Dr. Ferreiro and Centro Fray Luis de Leon. You can anticipate entertaining live music, enthusiastic professors, fun nightlife, and an experience you will never forget."

Christine M. (2008)
Gordon College

"Being from another school other than the main group in Seattle, I was slightly nervous to join a group of students from other universities. However, from the moment I met Dr. Ferreiro and the entire group, I was immediately welcomed. I loved every moment of my experience in Spain from the Spanish classes, to the weekly excursion, to the lasting friendships that I made. I also loved the city of Salamanca. Salamanca is a small city that is full of life. Two of my favorite things to do at night included watching the musicians perform and dancing Salsa at El Savor. During the day I enjoyed attending my Spanish classes, getting to know new people and exploring the beautiful monuments in Salamanca. I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to spend 5 weeks in Spain with Dr. Ferreiro and the rest of the group. I would highly recommend this program to anyone who is looking for the opportunity to visit Spain, practice Spanish and develop long lasting friendships."

Claire M.
University of Oregon

"My experience at the University of Salamanca and with the Centro Fray Luis de Leon program has brought me countless memories and new friendships from across the world. The knowledge and practice with the language from the professional, friendly professors goes beyond any Spanish class I have previously taken due to the complete Spanish immersion and cultural experiences that could only be gained abroad. For any individual motivated to greatly improve their Spanish and broaden their global perspective, I give this program my highest recommendation."

[back to top]